"For the safety of other animals, this individual should be behindbars," he said.

"This outcome makes the RSPCA wonder at the community's perception ofour ability to safeguard animals and to alleviate their pain andsuffering.

"Perhaps a stronger penalty may have acted as a deterrent to othersconsidering torturing animals for a bit of 'fun'."

William was burned less than two weeks after closed circuit televisionfootage captured an attack on an eight-week-old kitten at Seven Hillsrailway station, also in Sydney's west.

The kitten, named Shelley, was allegedly stoned, stomped on and run overwith a bicycle.

Christopher Leigh Herreros, 18, and a 15-year-old youth were chargedwith aggravated animal cruelty over the incident and are due to reappearin court this month.

NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden also criticised the appeal decision,saying Staines had committed an evil act and should have been sent tojail.

"One hundred hours of community service is a slap on the wrist for whatis a very cruel, and in fact evil form of behaviour, which should bepunished as it was intended to, by a jail sentence," Mr Brogden said.